Senior Bowl: Wednesday Evening Buzz

TFY Draft Preview

01/25/2006

Today was the last major day of action at the Senior Bowl. The majority of coaches and a large number of scouts will make their way out of Mobile first thing tomorrow morning. Yet there was still plenty of news flying around including one "special case" junior whose expected to be admitted into the draft next week.

Former South Carolina defensive end Moe Thompson was on hand, announcing he will not return to school and will opt for
the draft. Suspended from the Gamecock program after being arrested on burglary
charges, Thompson pleaded guilty to two counts each of attempted first-degree
burglary and petit larceny in December. He was subsequently sentenced to five
years of probation in a suspended, 20-year prison term. One of the highest
rated defensive ends in the nation entering 2005, Thompson originally
transferred to Grambling prior to last season. He decided not to play football
until his legal brouhaha was over.

Announcing his decision to enter the draft,
Thompson expects the league to grant him special exemption. He is also
expecting an invitation to February's combine and hopes to carry his 270-pound
frame across the forty yards of the RCA Dome in 4.60 seconds.

Florida State defensive tackle Broderick Bunkley, who left Tuesday's practice after taking a blow to the head, will not
play in Saturday's game because of a concussion. LSU receiver Sykler Green who
did not practice today because of a strained hamstring is expected to be ready
to go by kick-off.

Virginia Tech's Darryl Tapp stated just one
team in attendance, the New England Patriots, spoke to him about possibly moving
from defensive end, his college position, to outside linebacker in the NFL.

According to a league source, the
Jaguars have hired former Green Bay Packers linebackers coach Mark Duffner in
the same capacity. The move should be announced by the end of the week. Duffner
is known as one of the better linebacker coaches in the league.

Former Houston Texans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer interviewed with the
Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday for an offensive assistant position and according to a
league source, Palmer is expected to interview for the offensive coordinator
opening with the New Orleans Saints.

San Diego Chargers pro personnel director Fran Foley agreed to a deal on Wednesday
afternoon to become the Minnesota Vikings personnel director but has yet
to sign the deal, which is considered a mere formality at this point. According
to a league source, Foley has been credited with the signing of veteran outside
linebacker Steve Foley who had a career-high 10 sacks during the 2004 season and
who is considered one of the Chargers' team leaders.

If the Seattle Seahawks don't re-sign running back Shaun Alexander, it's likely
that they'll look to this year's draft to fill his void. His backup, Maurice Morris, is also set to become an unrestricted free agent and isn't considered to
be a candidate to replace him even if he re-signs.